Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.
If General Assemblies were evaluated strictly on the basis of actions taken, the 220thGA in Pittsburgh might be seen as one of the more “moderate” in the past decade. From start to finish, however, this Assembly proved the PC(USA) has entered a new and alarming chapter in its history with sufficient momentum to continue on this current trajectory into the foreseeable future. As more than one member of the PFR GA Team sorrowfully observed, “I don’t know this denomination anymore.”
For now at least, this new territory can be defined more clearly by ethos than by action. There was no PUP Report coming out of this Assembly, no radical revisions to the constitution that will be debated in presbyteries this year; there were no floor demonstrations, no protests, not even a street wedding. In the most controversial areas, the majority of commissioners backed away from aggressive action:
- A well-orchestrated and emotionally charged attempt to demand US corporate divestment in the State of Israel failed, as did the far more provocative attempt to characterize actions of Israel as a form of apartheid.
- Institutional preservationists turned out in droves to ensure that any remaining vitality in the report of the Mid-Councils Administrative Commission was removed—self-preservation trumping vision, mission, and even common sense.
- A new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism was approved, bringing the PC(USA) in line with other members of the Reformed family. That is a very good thing. But by vote of the same committee, Belhar is back for reconsideration despite rejection by the presbyteries just one year ago.
- In the most hotly contested issue before this Assembly, the redefinition of marriage by Authoritative Interpretation, constitutional change, or both, was ultimately repurposed into two years of additional study guided by resources from the Office of Theology and Worship.
PFR will be offering more in-depth analyses of these and other actions.
But the real story of the 220thGeneral Assembly was not in vote counts. From the liturgical draping of the cross in rainbow stoles during opening worship to the soap opera surrounding the vice moderatorial election, from commissioners openly challenging one another to greater defiance of our polity and Confessions to several instances of agenda-driven preaching, it was abundantly clear that, no matter what our constitution might say, an increasing number of ordained Presbyterians will behave as they see fit. Any bridge remaining over the gaping divides in the PC(USA) would appear to be scheduled for demolition by the hubris of the Left, even as the rhetoric of “unity” and repeated moderatorial attempts at collegial interaction punctuated the docket.
Of almost equal concern was a pervasive atmosphere of “summer camp” at this meeting of the largest Presbyterian body in North America. Simple decorum befitting the Body of Christ joined biblical faithfulness and ecumenical sensitivity as seemingly disposable accessories.
Throughout this Assembly, many members of the General Assembly Mission Council staff (now known as the Presbyterian Mission Agency staff) seemed concerned over the actions and attitudes of the Body. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Mission warned commissioners of the impact a change in the definition of marriage would have on global partnerships. Other positive GAMC initiatives like the establishment of 1001 new worshiping communities in the next decade offer hope. But these efforts may face an uphill climb. Many faithful people are working at various levels of our denominational structure and need support and prayer as they continue Christ-honoring ministry within an increasingly unstable environment.
Now that the 220th General Assembly is history, what clarity has been gained? The “official” teaching on marriage has not changed, but it appears that neither will it be upheld. We lost a unique opportunity for thoughtful and creative presbytery and synod restructuring that would have gone a long way toward rebuilding trust and unity across the theological divides. Instead, we remain saddled with an outdated bureaucracy that will increasingly cripple presbyteries, frustrate visionaries, and undermine effective ministry. And, once again, we must live with the embarrassment of loudly debating things we do not begin to understand in the Middle East.
What is clear is the determination of the Left to press their ideological agenda with disregard for both the constitution of the PC(USA) and the collateral damage their actions are causing to individuals, congregations, presbyteries, and our witness within the global Church.
What message has this Assembly sent to congregations in discernment about their continued affiliation with the PC(USA)? Realistically, there is little hope for any dramatic change or reversal of denominational direction in the near future. To quote a popular expression, “It is what it is.” The PC(USA) “train” has left the “station” of orthodoxy and is headed into an undefined future where, seemingly, anything is possible. Individuals and congregations who are skittish about the risks and challenges of transferring their affiliation to a different denomination must understand that continuing on with the PC(USA) is not for the faint of heart either. In the decision of affiliation there is no status quo—there is no easy path. The only question is where is God calling you to engage in ministry?
Those who choose to remain in the PC(USA) will clearly be a “mission of presence and witness” characterized by “…Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” We will need these gifts in abundance, as well as intentional biblical accountability with one another and with trusted brothers and sisters beyond the PC(USA), if we are going to live well into this call. It seems clear that ours will be a voice of increasing opposition to denominational statements and trends. If nothing else, this Assembly confirmed the unique role of The Fellowship of Presbyterians in maintaining the unity and integrity of an evangelical and Reformed witness across denominational lines.
But there remains a clear and unique role for PFR in this increasingly foreign mission field of the PC(USA). The networks and opportunities we can offer to the most vulnerable orthodox Presbyterians, small membership congregations as well as evangelical women in leadership and seminarians, are more crucial now than ever before. It is also incumbent upon PFR to avoid making similar mistakes to those we saw in Pittsburgh. We must be willing to restructure and even risk the future of the “organization” in order to strengthen and ensure the effectiveness of the ministry we can offer.
Finally, we all must be crystal clear in our focus on Jesus Christ as he is revealed in Scripture and in our commitment to proclaiming the good news of Christ with confidence and unshakable joy. "Rejoice in the Lord always . . . Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7.
Presbyterians for Renewal
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